Resources

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Overview of Old IBI Scientific Tunair Flask Caps
• Overview of NEW IBI Scientific Low-Profile Tunair Flask Caps
• Standard Cell Culture Volume Graph
• Growth Evaluation Graph
• Sterile Tunair Flask Kit
• Tips for Growing Cell Culture Media
• Benefits of Using IBI Scientific Filters
• How to Clean IBI Scientific Flasks and Caps

Introduction

Since the 19^th century, flask technology has been ever evolving – from the humble glass Erlenmeyer, and now to the more modern polypropylene flasks, things are changing – and change they must.

Speaking of change, IBI Scientific has also found ourselves on a similar path. Years ago, we like so many in the scientific community ditched glass flasks and developed the more favorable polypropylene ones instead. Unlike glass, polypropylene does not scratch, shatter or crack – all of which is music to our ears (and our customers).

Overview of Old IBI Scientific Tunair Flask Caps

While it has indeed been a while since we made the switch to polypropylene, we still continue to think of new ways of improving our flasks. As such, we have recently redesigned a key element to our Tunair Flasks – the cap. At first glance, a cap might seem rather unassuming, but it truly impacts many things.

For example, a cap that is too tall will prevent it from being placed inside certain incubated shakers. Or a cap with a surface area that is too small will affect oxygen absorption rates – and possible resulting in low culture growth.  So, as you can see, a well-designed cap is essential for good research and we took many factors into consideration when doing so.

 

But first, let us take a look at our flasks with the old caps:

 

 

Now here is the Old Cap separated: 

• 2-part Cap System
• Larger outer section of old caps snaps onto the smaller inner section
• The filter is placed on the exterior portion of the inner cap
• This style of cap accommodates both silicone and paper filters
• Side tabs are used to open the cap

 

So, as you can see, our old Tunair caps have both pros and cons. While our old caps still can help the flasks to exchange oxygen, and develop cell cultures, they still have some limitations. One glaring limitation that we wanted to address was the flasks inability to fit into certain shakers. We know that these shakers come in all different sizes so we wanted to make our new cap even more versatile, and versatile we did.

Overview of NEW IBI Scientific Low-Profile Tunair Flask Caps

 

Take a look at our newly designed Low-Profile caps and see the difference for yourself:

 Now here is the Low-Profile Cap at different angles:

• Our Tunair flasks with the new Low-Profile cap, now measure 11 inches tall (bottom to the top of the cap).
• The new cap accommodates 0.2-micron paper and silicone filters.
• With the new caps, these flasks will now fit inside shorter sized lab shakers like the Thermo Max-Q.
• Unlike the old caps, our new caps are a single piece – which will alleviate the worry of losing pieces.
• The new caps now have a hinged, positive latch making it far more user-friendly.
• With the new cap design, filters now lay flat and are easier to replace.
• The flatter design of the caps means a greater surface area = greater gas exchange & culture yields for you!

As you have just been familiarized with our new Low-Profile cap, you can clearly see that there are quite a few pros to the new design. With the new design, our flasks are now able to fit into shorter lab shakers, making this new cap more adaptable than the old one. Furthermore, this new cap is much more user-friendly due to its added hinge and positive latch – ultimately making your research process a bit easier.

While we could certainly keep listing the pros of our new cap until the cows come home, what is important is the correlation between Tunair cap style and growth yield.

You might be also be asking yourself: How much does Tunair cap style really affect growth?
It affects it quite a lot, just take a look at this graph and see the differences:

Standard Cell Culture Volume Graph

If we look at the Tunair lines (the green and the purple), there is clearly a higher cell culture volume than the two Corning lines (the blue and the red). This graph shows that Tunair flasks consistently outperform the Corning flasks in terms of yield.

How much does the type of flask affect cell culture yield?

Growth Evaluation Graph

Growth Evaluation of Four (4) Microbial Types in TUNAIR™ Flasks vs. Other Currently Used Shake Flasks

The type of flask affects the yield significantly! This graph clearly shows that TUNAIR Flasks will always produce greater cell density in the growth of micro-organisms. The old-fashioned Erlenmeyer is no match for a TUNAIR Full-Baffle!

Sterile Tunair Flask Kit

Next, in addition to the design changes, we now will offer our new Low-Profile caps in a handy-dandy 4-Flask Sterile Kit. This is a big deal because each of these flasks and caps are sealed individually in a poly bag and then irradiated for sterility. This individual wrapping means that you can now use one flask at a time. In the past, a 4-Flask Kit would mean that you would be exposing 4 flasks to environmental elements all at once. This would then mean having to use them all at the same time or having to autoclave and sterilize them again yourself the next time you need a new flask. But with our individual wrapping, you no longer need to worry about wasting your time on such things!

 What is included in a 4-Flask Sterile Kit?

• 4 of the new Low-Profile Caps
• 4 of the silicone filters
• Each fully assembled flask is individually bagged and irradiated

TUNAIR SPECIFICATIONS:

Material - FDA polypropylene (flask and cap).

Diameter - 6.25" (15.875 cm) Base of flask.

Overall Height - 11" (27.94 cm) With Low profile cap in place.

Low Profile Cap - Positive latch and hinge. Accommodates 4.5" diameter filter.

Flask, cap & filter are autoclavable and reusable.

Tips For Growing Cell Culture Media

What are some tips for improving cell culture growth?

• Having High-Quality growth media. This will ensure optimal conditions are maintained throughout the entire growth period. A media you can trust will give you peace of mind from the very beginning. Lucky for you we offer a wide range of high-quality medias for you to choose from depending on your needs.
• Not over-filling the flask. If you do, this could mean losing precious media, and making a mess which is a headache you do not need.
• Shaking your flask at the correct speeds. Each type of flask requires something different, so make sure you adjust your lab equipment prior to shaking.
• Not putting too much media into your flask. If you add too much media you decrease your surface area, which will also decrease oxygen absorption in the process.
• Not shaking your flasks longer than what is required. Accidents happen, but if you do forget to take a flask off your lab shaker, it would be best to start over because it has gone past the point of providing accurate results.

Benefits of Using IBI Scientific Filters

What are the benefits of using IBI Scientific filters?

• The silicone filters last the lifetime of the IBI Scientific flask
• The filters can be autoclaved upwards of 30 times
• IBI Scientific filters can also be cleaned easily using DI water
  

How to Clean IBI Scientific Flasks and Caps

How do you clean the Tunair flasks and caps?

Since all IBI Scientific Tunair flasks and caps are constructed out of chemically-resistant polypropylene, they both are fully autoclavable for your convenience. After use, rinse or wash with a gentle detergent, then re-assemble and autoclave.

At the end of the day, in order for a Shake Flask System to be successful, versatility and intelligent design must be considered. Those elements were constantly in the back of our minds when we redesigned our Tunair flask caps. Not only are our new Low-Profile caps easier to use, they also have been proven to increase cell culture results, and now can fit inside even more fume hoods. All of these things aid in creating a successful Shaker Flask System.

 

So what are you waiting for? Streamline you Shaker Flask System with IBI Scientific today!

Click HERE to purchase IBI Scientific Flasks and or Caps for your lab!

 

 

If you have any questions regarding our Tunair Flasks or Caps, please email us at info@ibisci.com or call us at 800-253-4942

Written By: Katie Draves